Joshua, Fury & Dubois – a look at the heavyweight landscape

In 2025, the heavyweight division will once again make boxing history.

Last year, Londoner Daniel Dubois and Tyson Fury dominated the spotlight, while Londoner Daniel Dubois won the show with a stellar year.

The biggest fight on the horizon is obviously Dubois-Parker. The heavyweight division’s future will be greatly affected by that fight.

The winner, and the loser, will have no shortage of options.

Elsewhere, Dillian Whyte fights Joe Joyce on 5 April. Additionally, there were an intriguing fight between Lawrence Okolie and Richard Riakporhe as well as Delicious Orie’s professional debut. Given the tension between the two rivals, the experienced cruiserweights will square off in an unlikely encounter that will reveal much about their heavyweight skills.

Moses Itauma, who only turned 20 in December, is expected to be added to that event, but one fight that isn’t happening is Deontay Wilder’s imminent return. After many whispers, Wilder’s team has cooled talk of a comeback for now.

Fabio Wardley, who intends to take the WBA route to a world title shot this year, says it is virtually “impossible” to predict what 36-year-old Fury will ultimately decide.

Fury said he will likely wake up tomorrow morning to consider giving it another try before going to bed after changing his mind.

He has endless options, including Martin Bakole or Wilder, but it seems Joshua will focus his attention on fighting Fury or the winner of Dubois-Parker.

However, because WBC, WBO, and WBO champion Usyk has stated that he would also like to fight the winner, it seems like he will have some competition.

Joshua would undoubtedly not decline the chance to compete against an opponent he has already defeated in a three-time world title match, and Dubois would likely choose to fight him in a rematch if he were to win the title.

At 35, Joshua is in the latter stages of his career, but Wardley is convinced he can “reach the heights” he once did.

“He isn’t done yet”, Wardley said.

There is more to give, regardless of whether Fury or not. There’s more to prove to other people rather than more to achieve, maybe.

He has done everything, as you can imagine, but boxers are not always the most methodical in our minds.

“Many of us choose things based on instinct, and in his soul, he may feel there is more to his career and legacy.”

As for Usyk, the 38-year-old has said he expects to fight just twice more before retiring.

The outcome of Dubois’ title defense will likely determine the outcome of his next major fight.

Dubois’ victory might give him the chance to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis in 1999.

A victory for Parker would sabotage those plans and allow for a significant rematch, either for Joshua or Dubois.

A scattering of the titles would open the door to a number of fights and potential new champions, and it seems unlikely that Usyk will be able to maintain all three of his belts.

There are plenty of fights to be had elsewhere. Derek Chisora’s final fight, Wardley and Itauma’s next move and a perhaps rematch between Johnny Fisher and Dave Allen.

Clarke is still a risky choice, but Whyte v. Joyce’s outcome could have a significant impact on the division.

Wardley remarked, “The future of heavyweight boxing is bright, but particularly in the UK.”

“We have Daniel, myself and Moses]Itauma] – it looks like we will have a strong grip on the division for the next coming years.